Wizards at 76ers
THE STORY: The Philadelphia 76ers will probably be in a cranky mood when they host the Washington Wizards. The 76ers had their six-game winning streak snapped Thursday when they dropped an 85-79 decision to New York. Philadelphia was held to a season low in points, shot 39.5 percent from the field and trailed by as many as 17 points. The game was the 76ers’ fifth in six days, but forward Elton Brand would not use it as an excuse. “We’re not going to blame the schedule or anything like that. Every team has a tough schedule this season,” Brand said. Every game has been tough for the Wizards, as their record would indicate. Washington recorded its first win of the season over Toronto on Tuesday, but was no match for Chicago on Wednesday in a 78-64 loss, even though Bulls star Derrick Rose didn't play because of a toe injury.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Comcast Sports Net Washington (Washington), Comcast Sports Philadelphia (Philadelphia)
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (1-9): Center Andray Blatche, who has already been in coach Flip Saunders' doghouse this season, missed the game in Chicago because of a sore right shoulder. Blatche is averaging 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. The Wizards were held to 27 points in the second half, including 11 in the fourth quarter. JaVale McGee recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, but Washington shot only 31 percent.
ABOUT THE 76ers (7-3): Philadelphia didn't go down without a fight against the Knicks. Tony Battie was assessed a flagrant foul for hitting Tyson Chandler in the face in the third quarter while Andre Iguodala was given a technical foul after getting tangled up with Carmelo Anthony. Center Spencer Hawes, who averages 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds, missed Wednesday's game with a lower-back strain. Hawes was injured in Tuesday's win over Sacramento and is listed as day-to-day.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The teams have split their last 10 meetings and will play again in Washington on Saturday night.
2. The Wizards' offensive numbers go a long way to explaining their record. Washington has the worst shooting percentage in the league (39.7) and ranks 29th in scoring (83.6 points per game).
3. Six players average in double figures for Philadelphia, including reserves Louis Williams (15.0), Thaddeus Young (12.3) and Evan Turner (10.6).